Target Data Type Determination in Heterogeneous Multi-Level Software

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Solution Overview

Problem

In heterogeneous environments, data type transformations across multiple software systems and interfaces lead to inconsistent and unpredictable results when assigning data, as the semantics of data type assignments are unclear, causing variations in data types during data transfer.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to determine a target data type by generating a transformation of the data type as it passes through multiple levels, ensuring consistent and predictable results by forcing the data type through the assignment path, using data type transformation functions and merging them to achieve a final target data type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If data is transferred between software systems in a heterogeneous environment, then data can be shared across multiple repositories, but the data type becomes inconsistent and unpredictable due to multiple transformations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata sharing capabilityVSAvoiddata type consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary data type determination mechanism that acts as a mediator between source and target data types. This intermediary computes a final target data type by considering the data type transformation path through multiple software systems and interfaces, ensuring consistent and predictable data assignment semantics across heterogeneous environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by determining the final target data type before the actual data assignment occurs. The system pre-computes the data type transformation by applying transformation functions for each level in the data path, so that when data is assigned, the target data type is already known and consistent, preventing unpredictable type variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If data passes through multiple levels of software systems and interfaces, then data can be integrated across heterogeneous environments, but the data type transformation becomes unclear and produces inconsistent results

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironment integrationVSAvoiddata type transformation clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data type transformation process into discrete levels, where each level corresponds to a software system or interface. Transformation functions are defined for each level, allowing the system to track and compute data type changes step-by-step through the heterogeneous environment, making the transformation process clear and measurable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the computed final target data type to guide and constrain data assignments. The determined target data type feeds back into the assignment process, ensuring that data transformations follow a predictable path and produce consistent results, thereby resolving the uncertainty in multi-level transformations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If a union all view is used to present data from multiple repositories, then a unified data view is achieved, but the target data type varies inconsistently across underlying systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunified data viewVSAvoiddata type uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a universal data type determination mechanism that works across multiple repositories and software systems. The final target data type is determined in a system-agnostic way, allowing the union all view to present unified data while maintaining consistent data types across diverse underlying systems through the computed transformation path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7386841B2Technique for determining a target data type in a heterogeneous multi-level environment

Publication Date: 2008.06.10 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A method of determining a target data type in an environment having a plurality of levels is provided. Zero or more intermediate levels are between the source level and the target level. A target data type representing the transformation of a data type of an associated datum as the datum passes from the source level through the zero or more intermediate levels to the target level is generated. In another aspect of the invention, the datum is assigned to the target level in accordance with the target data type. In yet another aspect of the invention, the target data type is passed with the associated datum, via the zero or more intermediate levels to the target level.